Best of all, several items are on sale for online Walmart shoppers ... many people make emergency runs to the grocery store to stock up on milk. Avoid the crowds and treacherous weather conditions ...

Bargain hunters are busy amid seasonal discounts and "going out of business" sales by at least two retailing chains.

For example, Walmart stock keeps setting new records — rising ... looking for great value on those essential items that they need for their pantry,” Cornell told reporters November 19.

This year, Walmart has been the clear winner in terms of sheer stock performance, generating year-to-date returns of around 75% versus a 9% decline for Target, at the time of this writing.